About Southern Lakes, New Zealand

The Southern Lakes area unquestionably takes in some of the premier sights & experiences of New Zealand. It is hard to imagine anything more picture perfect than the sight of the SS Earnslaw steaming out onto Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown against the backdrop of Cecil Peak and the mountains beyond. Are you up for a Bungy Jump? Queenstown is where it all started. There are brilliant jet boating opportunities too, to say nothing of the winter sports opportunities, back country experiences and jaw dropping scenery.

Wanaka is the more relaxed cousin of Queenstown and the trip between the two over the Crown Range is breath taking.

This region is also home to some of the most stunning vineyards and wineries in New Zealand. The Gibbston Valley Pinot Noirs will amaze you.

Stop over in Te Anau then make a day trip to Milford Sound, but be prepared to run out of superlatives – this is just stunning in the sunshine or the wet. Don’t forget your inset repellent though! Another worthwhile trip from Te Anau is a visit to the Manapouri Hydro scheme. It won’t disappoint.

Rippled Earth Kayaks

Rippled Earth Kayaks operates at the head of Lake Wakatipu in the Glenorchy area. Our tours leave daily from either Queenstown or Glenorchy. We offer half day tours to the island reserves Pigeon and Pig islands, evening tours to Kinloch lodge for dinner and a kayaking horse riding combo called the Paddle to Saddle